Send money to China from the United Kingdom

Support your loved ones in China with Western Union. Easily transfer GBP to CNY the way that’s most convenient for you and your receiver.

    Send to
    GBP

    FX: 1.00 GBP =

    Fee:

    Exchange Rates and Fees vary by payment and payout options and are subject to change. To check other options, simply click Get Started.
    Send money now
    Be informed. Be aware. Protect yourself from fraud
    Asian man working in building

    We encrypt your transfers

    We are committed to keeping your data secure

    We’ve sent money around the world for over 150 years

    Convenient ways to send and receive money

    It’s quick and easy to transfer money to China. Fund your transfer by card, bank transfer or cash, simply choose below to get started.

    Your money transfer will arrive in China in minutes1, ask your receiver what method is most convenient for them.

    • bank-building

      Bank account

      With Western Union, you can send money to a loved one’s bank account. If the receiver is not a Chinese national, they may need to provide supporting documentation to confirm the purpose of the transfer.

      Find out more

    • Cash pickup

      Your loved ones can collect a Western Union money transfer from one of thousands of agent locations in China.

      Find Chinese agent locations

    • Through WeChat

      Your receiver can opt to receive your money transfer through the WeChat app via a linked bank account.

      Learn more
    • alipay

      Through Alipay2

      Sending money to China just got easier. Now you can choose Alipay2 as a receiving option. All you need is the receiver’s name and Alipay ID (Chinese mobile number).

    Choose how to transfer money to China

    Using your bank details

    Cash at an agent location

    With a credit or debit card2

    Ready to send money?

    Get started

    Send money to China in a few taps with our app

    Send money on the go.

    Check transfer fees3 and exchange rates in advance.

    Track your money transfers in real time.

    Save time and make repeat money transfers.

    Download the app
    4.6/5
    4.5/5

    Rating as of 21 April 2023.

    app-store google-play
    Hand holding phone illustration

    More information on how to send money to China from the UK

    • Spot _ bank building (1
      All major banks covered

      To send money to China directly into a bank account4, you’ll need to ensure your loved one has an account at:

      • Bank of China.
      • Postal Savings Bank of China and China Construction Bank.
      • China Minsheng Bank, Bank of Jilin and Fujian Haixia Bank.
      • Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Shanghai branches.
      Send money to China
    • cash-jupiter
      Easy cash collection

      For a cash pickup, all your loved one needs to do is:

      1. Visit a Western Union agent location.
      2. Provide your sender’s details.
      3. Show proof of identity.
      4. Receive their money.
      Find agent locations

    If you and your receiver are not both Chinese nationals, as the sender you will need to provide a detailed purpose of transfer. This also applies when you send money to yourself, or to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.

    Reasons to choose Western Union®

    Register for free

    With Western Union®, you can register your online profile for free, making it easier to send money to China.

    Pay the way you like

    Whether you prefer to use the app, do everything online, or start online and complete your transfer in-store, there are several ways to send money to China with Western Union®.

    A reliable service

    We have more than 170 years of experience in dealing with global money transfers so that you can rely on us.

    Sign up to send money to China today

    Register now
    Quick and easy

    Sending money to China from the UK with Western Union® is quick and easy. Transfer money to friends and family in just a few steps, and it could be ready for collection in minutes1.

    Easily track your transfer

    Track your transfer at every stage, so you know exactly where your money is.

    Schedule transfers

    If you know in advance when you’ll need to transfer money to China – for example, an upcoming birthday – you can schedule payments online or using the app.

    Register now

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I send money to China online?

    Start by registering for a profile or log in if you already have one.

    1. Click ‘Send now’ to start the transfer.
    2. Select your destination – in this case, China – and enter the amount you want to send.
    3. Choose how your receiver will get their money – either in cash, to a bank account or Alipay mobile wallet.
    4. Enter their details or select a previous receiver if you’ve sent to them before.
    5. Pay by debit or credit card2 or bank transfer.
    6. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number (MTCN). Share this securely with your receiver – as they’ll need it to collect their money.
    How do I send money to China from a Western Union agent location?
    1. Head to your nearest Western Union agent location – we have thousands across the UK.
    2. Take a valid, government-issued ID or phone number. If you want to send money to a Chinese bank account, you’ll also need your receiver’s bank details.
    3. You may also need to prove your source of funds with a bank statement, payslip or tax return.
    4. Pay with cash or a debit or credit card2.
    5. Collect your receipt with your unique tracking number (MTCN). You’ll need to share this with your receiver so they can collect the money and track the transfer.
    How do I estimate the cost to transfer money to China?

    You can use our price estimator to get an idea of how much your money transfer to China will cost.

    How much money can I send online to China?

    You can send up to £5,000 to China from the UK via bank transfer directly into your loved one’s account or to a local agent in China for the receiver to collect in cash.

    If you wish to pay with your credit or debit card2, there is a maximum money transfer limit of £4,000. Similarly, transfers to an Alipay money wallet have an upper limit of £1,950 – or the equivalent in Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY).

    How can the receiver get money through WeChat app?

    How to send money to Weixin:

    1. Log in or register our app or website or visit an agent location near you.
    2. Select ‘China’ as the destination and enter the amount you want to send.
    3. Choose ‘Cash’ as the payout option and select your payment method.
    4. Enter your receiver’s details, confirm, pay for money transfer and send.
    5. Remember to share the Money Transfers Control Number (MTCN) with your receiver.

    You receiver in China needs to follow these steps:

    1. Open the Weixin app and search for the ‘WEIHUIKUAN’ mini program.
    2. Select ‘Receive global remittance’ on the landing page, then the ‘Receive with MTCN’ service.
    3. Input the 10-digit Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) and the currency.
    4. Agree to sign the payout service with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (applicable on first money transfer only).
    5. Confirm the request for receiving money (in RMB). Select the debit card, purpose of money transfer, and relationship with sender.

    Still have questions?

    Visit our FAQs or simply get in touch. Our customer care team is on hand to help.

    More FAQs

    1 Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional Restrictions may apply. See terms for details.

    2 Some card issuers may charge additional fees for using our services. Please contact your card issuer for more information.

    3 Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Transfer fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes may vary by brand, channel, and location based on a number of factors. Transfer fees and exchange rates subject to change without notice.

    4 Qualifying accounts must have an associated UnionPay debit card number beginning with ‘62’. Transfers to certain accounts may only be available during China bank processing hours, which are 7.30am to 9.45pm China Standard Time. Funds sent to a first-time receiver may be delayed until WU receives additional required information from the account holder. Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply. See Terms and Conditions for details.